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Haden returns

October 8, 2012 - Mike McLain

BEREA -- Browns cornerback Joe Haden returned to the Browns Monday after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy by using the prescription drug Adderall.

Haden apologized to fans (Haden nation to him), teammates, coaches and the front office. He neither confirmed nor denied a rumor that he used the drug to stray awake for a party in Las Vegas.

The Browns were 0-1 when the suspension started. They're now 0-5 and are the league's long team without a win.

Haden didn't say for sure that his presence might have resulted in one or two victories.

“I’m not saying I cost them,” Haden said. “I’m just saying that I feel like if I’m out there I’m a definite help to the team. I’m not saying I would have gotten picks or anything, but I would have been able help the team.”

Haden arrived early at the practice facility Monday. One of his first stops was to coach Pat Shurmur's office.

“Coach and me get along really well,” Haden said. “Coach was about, ‘Okay, Joe, we can’t be upset about this. We have to move forward.’ I’m telling him, ‘I’m sorry.’ He’s trying to give me the game plan.”

Haden will jump straight into the fire in his first assignment, drawing coverage of Bengals' talented receiver A.J. Green,

“Perfect timing,” Haden said. “I’m going to try to make a statement going against someone like him. Once I come back and do my thing in this game, then I’ll just be right back.”